South China flatten Valley

Share

South China stayed on course for a dream treble when they brushed aside nine-man Happy Valley 2-0 to reach the final of the FA Cup at Hong Kong Stadium last night.

Happy Valley played most of the second half with just nine men after Alen Bajkusa picked up his second yellow card to join fellow forward John Moore, who had earlier received his marching orders in the 38th minute.

Moore was red-carded for allegedly raising his elbow to an opponent after being cautioned in the 20th minute, while Bajkusa was dismissed three minutes after the break for fouling Leung Chi-wing for his second offence.

South booked a final date with rivals and defending Cup champions Instant-Dict, who earlier defeated Sing Tao 3-1, on May 25.

Right winger Lee Kin-wo put the Caroliners ahead in the 53rd minute when he rose high to head home Chan Chi-hong's left-wing cross.

But South China needed to wait until the 82nd minute before making it safe when Happy Valley defender Lai Kai-cheuk put the ball into his own net after trying to keep out a Fernando Ornelas shot.

Earlier, former Leeds United forward Ian Baird came off the bench late in the second half to put his team through to the final with two goals.

Baird came on in the 80th minute and soon shot his team 2-1 ahead after Yiu Hok-man's left-footed shot caught Baird's back before flying into the net.

Instant midfielder Yeung Hei-chi had put his side 1-0 ahead in the 41st minute but Sing Tao forward Leung Chi-kui levelled matters in the 52nd minute when he headed home Anto Grabo's right-wing cross.

Baird buried Sing Tao with his second after latching on to Tam Siu-wai's pass before squeezing a powerful shot past Leung.